Open tender: Deliver physical group therapy in Residential Aged Care Facilities

SEMPHN is pleased to invite eligible organisations to tender to deliver group physical therapy sessions in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) across South Eastern Melbourne.

Why is this service needed?

In Victoria, Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) were greatly affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 resulting in many infections and deaths.

During the pandemic, outbreaks in aged care facilities led to full lockdowns, where residents were restricted to their rooms. Normal exercise and access to the outside was not possible. This led to a significant level of deconditioning (a decrease in muscle following a period of inactivity) amongst residents in these facilities. 

About the service 

The purpose of the program is to increase access to allied health services for people living in RACFs by delivering group physical therapy sessions in the nominated RACFs.

Delivering an allied health group therapy program is a temporary measure aimed at improving the physical functioning of aged care residents who are at risk of deconditioning due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.

The service should be delivered by APHRA registered physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and/or occupational therapists who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver group therapy programs in an older adult population.

Services are to be provided to 20 participating RACFs in the SEMPHN catchment. A list of these RACFs is provided in the tender specifications on SEMPHN's eProcure. Applicants can tender for more than one facility. 

Applying for this tender 

• All questions must be submitted via SEMPHN's eProcure. 
• All tenders must be submitted via SEMPHN's eProcure.

Key dates

23 April 2021: Tender opens
27 April 2021: Optional industry briefing (register here)
3 May 2021: Questions close in eProcure
6 May 2021 (3 pm): Tender closes
No later than 25 May 2021: Outcome advised
1 June 2021: Contract commencement date
31 December 2021: Contract end date